Lee Sang-il (director)

Lee Sang-il (Japanese: 李 相日, Hepburn: Ri San'iru; Korean: 이상일, born January 6, 1974) is a Japanese filmmaker. He is a third generation Zainichi Korean born and raised in Niigata, Japan. His filmography is characterized by a deep exploration of human conflict and the dark sides of society, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success. He has been nominated multiple times at the Japan Academy Film Prize, winning Best Picture once and Best Director once.

Lee began his career with his graduation project from the Japan Institute of the Moving Image, Chong (1999). The film features a main character who attends a North Korean-affiliated high school, a setting that mirrors Lee's own background. It won four awards, including the Grand Prix, at the Pia Film Festival (PFF) Award 2000. His fifth film, Hula Girls (2006), which depicts coal miners' daughters saving their declining town through hula dancing, was a major success. It won numerous accolades, including Best Picture and Best Director at the Japan Academy Film Prize. He continued to garner acclaim with adaptations of Shuichi Yoshida's novels. His seventh film, Villain (2010), which depicts the complex line between good and evil in the wake of a murder, and his eighth film, Rage (2016), which depicts how suspicion destroys trust among three groups of people, both received nominations for Best Picture and Best Director, in addition to winning several acting awards. His ninth film Wandering (2022) explored the controversial bond between a former kidnapping victim and her abductor. His 10th film, Kokuho (2025), marked his third adaptation of a Shuichi Yoshida novel. Depicting the life and rivalry of Kabuki actors, the film grossed over ¥17.37 billion (US$115 million). It became the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film in history and recorded the 11th highest domestic box office revenue of all time, including anime films.